To provide evidences of Canine Parvovirus (CPV) natural infection in clinically normal 4-8 week-old canine puppies before the first vaccination.

Materials & Methods

Total 22 clinically normal canine puppies at 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age were studied. The pups were those presenting and requesting for first CPV vaccination at Chiangmai University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Fecal samples were collected and detected for CPV hemagglutinins by hemagglutination test. Specific CPV DNA in the fecal samples were tested by seminested polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

Of total 72.73% of fecal samples, hemagglutinin evidences were recovered at 50% (11/22), 68.18% and 54.55% from 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age respectively. The results confirmed by specific CPV DNA were 63.64% (14/22), 68.18% (15/22) and 72.73% (16/22) respectively.

Conclusion

There are CPV natural infections among canine puppies without CPV clinical presentation leading to CPV seroconversion previously reported.